‘It’s been an honour’: Barcelona captain Ter Stegen’s heartfelt message to Girona after relegation

FC Barcelona captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s mortgage spell at Girona led to heartbreak, with the German goalkeeper watching on because the membership he had joined to rebuild his profession had been relegated to the Segunda Division.

Ter Stegen had arrived at Girona in January 2026, hoping to rediscover his type, earn common minutes and construct health forward of the World Cup.

As a substitute, he managed simply two appearances earlier than struggling one other harm that dominated him out for the rest of the season and finally value him a spot in Germany’s World Cup squad.

Ter Stegen’s farewell message

Three days after the season ended, the goalkeeper took to social media to say a heartfelt goodbye to the Girona supporters.

“Girona, thanks a lot for these months. Though my time on the pitch was a lot shorter than all of us would have appreciated, with solely two matches after my arrival in January after which having to sit down out the remainder of the season, I’m very grateful for the way you welcomed me from day one.”

Girona, thanks very a lot for these months.

Though my time on the sector has been a lot shorter than all of us would have appreciated, with solely two video games after my arrival in January after which having to sit down out the remainder of the season, I’m very grateful for… pic.twitter.com/bs4OESxTgW

— Marc ter Stegen (@mterstegen1) Could 26, 2026

“It has been an honour to be a part of this household, to share a locker room with this group, and to really feel the love of the membership’s workers and the unbelievable followers,” he mentioned.

Ter Stegen went on to indicate his confidence in Girona and their skill to return to the highest flight.

“The ending wasn’t what we wished, however I’m satisfied that this membership has the energy, the id, and the individuals to return very quickly to the place it belongs: the highest flight.

“Thanks to all of the followers in your help and affection. I sincerely want you all the very best for the long run. Sempre Girona,” he concluded.

What it means for his Barcelona future

Girona’s relegation has instantly closed off one potential exit route for Ter Stegen, who holds a contract with Barcelona till June 2028.

The German was linked with a transfer to Ajax currently, but it surely was later reported that the Dutch giants should not curious about making a transfer for the injury-prone goalkeeper.

With Joan Garcia firmly established because the undisputed primary, sporting director Deco now faces the problem of discovering an answer for a goalkeeper on one of many squad’s highest salaries and with a restricted market because of his latest harm historical past.